Thursday, December 4, 2014

outfit of the day(bird): pack it up, pack it in

sweater~ Target

pants~ Gap

boots~ J. Crew via Second Debut

hat~ thrifted

This week, I have been packing and packing and then packing some more and still there is so much to do. I have been surviving on very little sleep and lots of red wine. Super healthy, I know. We are trying to get the house staged and ready to be put on the market. I don't think you ever realize how much stuff you have until you try and stage your house for real estate photos and showings. Jim and I have a pretty minimal design esthetic going on in our house and still it's too much. Basically, you have to make your house look as boring as possible. No personal touches, nothing quirky, bare counters, bare mantelpiece, very little on the walls, no toys, no clutter. It makes sense. You want a potential buyer to come in and see the house as a blank slate. You want them to be able to envision it with their own personal touches and quirks and toys and clutters. I get it. But after living in a house for almost 7 years, it's hard to undo what you've done. It's hard to make your home look like it's not your home! And with kids, it becomes even harder. How am I supposed to pack up all the kids toys and books when we are still going to be living here for a couple more months? With a lot of confusion and tears from the kids, I can tell you that. Obviously, some of it can be hidden away but, trust me, my house is pretty small and there are very few places for things to be hidden! It's sad to start to pack everything up and store it away, but it is also a bit freeing. It's becoming easier to throw things into the donate pile and part with things I once thought I couldn't live without. It's sort of nice to realize that we can live with less and a bit more simply and hopefully, once we move, we can keep that up. Hopefully! Anyway, those are my random thoughts for now. As I mentioned, very little sleep happening here! I hope you're all having a great week!

20 comments:

Take a day (or even a morning) and relax; play with the kids... have a nap. You'll be refreshed and renewed, the kidlings will relax, and you'll get much more done than you would by exhausting yourself. Sending hugs!

This is the love/hate thing about moving. I hated the "doing" part but it always made me go through everything in the house each time and it was the best way to edit down household items that build up over the years. I sympathize and envy you at the same time. The only way I'll ever do that again is if we move somewhere else. It is too overwhelming otherwise. Once you get it all done, like you suggested, you will feel lighter. It will be a fresh start.

Nora, you wouldn't believe how much sleep *I've* been losing worrying about you and this move. It's such a huge transition with so many hardships. Packing, as you describe, is both emotional and draining. Staging is a chore. And moving to a new, unknown place is exceptionally stressful, particularly with children. I'm sure you will be okay and in the future will look back on the process with appreciation for the wisdom you acquired, but I worry about your emotional health during the worst of it. Please reach out (to your sisters and me) if you need support. I'm always here for you.

Oh I bet it has been crazy busy/stressful trying to get that done! I only live in an apt. and can gather and collect so many things, I think I would have to take months to clean out my house if I had one lol! Super cute outfit, LOVE this hat :) Hope the rest of the moving/selling process goes smoothly!

I can only imagine how hard that has to be. I dread the process when/if we ever move, which is a distinct possibility before Ollie goes to school in five years. I hope that the selling goes smoothly though for all the work you're putting into it! And make sure to take some time out for yourself too. (HUG)

I've never had to stage a house but I totally commend you on all your efforts! I cannot imagine! You will get through it though and before you know it, you'll be playing on beaches in the sunshine while the rest of us suffer in the frozen tundras! Love the sweater and booties!

We got rid of too much when we moved. Heheh. I'm definitely sympathizing with you - we staged our house and then decided not to sell after all. It was such a pain! On a good note, you look super cute! I love this outfit.

You are so brave to be doing thus move. I couldn't do it! I can only imagine how hard tha is. I dread the process when and if we move, which we want to do in a year or so, to buy our own house. It was so traumatic moving from my house last year but yoi know, you are strong, organised and fab so you WILL get it done. Xx

Love your booties, hate your moving stress. :( But really appreciate your positive attitude. Hang in there and just take on one task at a time. It will all work out & soon you'll be onto the adventure of unpacking! :)

Ugh, packing does not sound fun. But being forced to get rid of stuff can sometimes be a good thing. (So you can buy lots of new things when you move to your new house, right?!) I love this cute classic outfit with fun touches like your hat and socks. Oh, and I was totally singing with your title...jump around!!!

As you know, we've moved so many times. At one point, we had to downsize by over half. You realize what's important but I'll be honest, you'll also realize that you gave away something that you needed/wanted. I am really intrigued to follow you along on your journey of selling the house, finding a new house, and moving. If you need any advice - please let me know. I've done it so many times as "the wife/the mom" so I have tons of experience.

You look so cute! Is that perky look the effect of not enough sleep? I find the whole concept of staing so odd because it's difficult for me to grasp that people don't have good enough imaginations to see past someone else's stuff or the wall colour. Apparently they don't. It's amazing how much we accumulate though and having been through two big moves in the past five years I know what a challenge it is. I am only one person and I have a lot of stuff! When my ex and I split up not only did I pack up and leave, but I had to sort through and decide what to take, what to leave behind, what was fair to take or not take etc and it is very mentally taxing. I do kind of like big purges though as it can feel so freeing. Tracy is right though: you will never get it totally right and you will regret a few things you give up and probably hang onto a few things you don't need. Take care of yourself. I am certain you are strong and have loads of family support to help you through this but I am still thinking of you and wishing all good things for you and yours.xoxoxo

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we are two sisters who love to shop and adore an amazing deal. we love fashion, both vintage and new. we absolutely adore the styling aspect of fashion and love making people look amazing no matter their budget. we like to mix decades, high and low, and vintage and new to create unique, creative and unforgettable looks. we believe in dressing fearlessly and wearing what you love.
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